Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit including an image sensor; a display unit including a display panel; and a control unit including a CPU, wherein the control unit is configured to: make the display unit successively display an entire image that is successively taken by the imaging unit as a live-view image; during display of the entire image as the live-view image, set a cutting region at a predetermined position in an imaging range of the imaging unit; displace a position of the cutting region in the imaging range so as to track movement of a specific subject in the imaging range; fix the position of the cutting region in the imaging range before a first operation is performed, and when the first operation is performed, displace the position of the cutting region so as to track movement of the specific subject in the imaging range; at least before the first operation is performed, display an image at a region other than the cutting region in the entire image that is successively displayed on the display unit as the live-view image so that the image at the region other than the cutting region is displayed in a predetermined display mode so as to be relatively less prominent than a partial image corresponding to the cutting region; before the first operation is performed, allow at least one of a size and a shape of the cutting region to be changed while fixing the position of the cutting region relative to the imaging range; and when the first operation is performed, displace the position of the cutting region while fixing the size and the shape of the cutting region.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: when a second operation is performed following the first operation, record the partial image corresponding to the cutting region in the entire image taken by the imaging unit.
This invention relates to imaging devices designed to capture and process images, particularly focusing on the selection and recording of specific regions within a larger image. The problem addressed is the need for a user-friendly method to isolate and save portions of an image without requiring complex editing tools or additional hardware. The imaging device includes an imaging unit for capturing an entire image and a display unit for showing the captured image. A control unit processes the image and allows a user to perform operations on it. The device enables a first operation to define a cutting region within the entire image, which is visually indicated on the display. When a second operation is performed after the first, the control unit records only the partial image corresponding to the cutting region, effectively cropping the image to the selected area. This functionality simplifies the process of extracting and saving specific portions of an image directly within the imaging device, eliminating the need for external editing software. The invention enhances user convenience by integrating region selection and recording into the device's native operations, making it particularly useful for applications requiring quick and efficient image processing.
3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: cut the cutting region from the entire image taken by the imaging unit; and when the second operation is performed, associate the partial image corresponding to the cut cutting region and the entire image taken by the imaging unit for recording.
This invention relates to an imaging device designed to capture and process images, particularly focusing on extracting and associating partial regions of an image with the full image. The device addresses the challenge of efficiently managing and organizing image data by allowing users to isolate specific regions of interest within a larger image while maintaining a link between the partial and full images. The imaging device includes an imaging unit for capturing images and a control unit that processes these images. The control unit is configured to define a cutting region within the captured image, which can be selected by a user. When a first operation is performed, the control unit extracts the partial image corresponding to the cutting region from the entire image. Subsequently, when a second operation is performed, the control unit associates the extracted partial image with the original full image for storage. This association ensures that the partial image remains linked to its source, allowing users to easily reference the context of the partial image within the full image. The invention enhances image management by enabling users to quickly isolate and store relevant portions of an image while preserving the relationship between the partial and full images. This is particularly useful in applications where detailed analysis or documentation of specific regions within a larger image is required.
4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: when the first operation is performed, switch the live-view image successively displayed on the display unit from the entire image successively taken by the imaging unit to the partial image corresponding to the cutting region, the partial image being successively cut.
This invention relates to imaging devices, specifically those used for capturing and displaying live-view images. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and intuitive control over live-view image display, particularly when focusing on a specific region of interest within a larger captured image. The imaging device includes an imaging unit for capturing images, a display unit for showing live-view images, and a control unit that manages the display process. The control unit is configured to switch the live-view image display between two modes. In the first mode, the entire image captured by the imaging unit is displayed in real-time. In the second mode, a partial image corresponding to a predefined cutting region is displayed, where the partial image is extracted from the full image and shown in real-time. The transition between these modes is triggered by a first operation, such as a user input or an automated command. This allows users to quickly focus on a specific area of interest without losing the context of the full image. The control unit ensures smooth switching between the full and partial image views, maintaining real-time display performance. This feature is particularly useful in applications like surveillance, medical imaging, or photography, where precise framing or monitoring of a specific region is required. The invention improves usability by reducing the need for manual adjustments and enhancing the efficiency of image capture and display.
5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: display, at a predetermined position of the partial image corresponding to the cutting region, the entire image taken by the imaging unit, the entire image being reduced in size and being successively synthesized, and display a frame in the entire image that is displayed at the predetermined position of the partial image while being reduced in size and being synthesized, the frame indicating the position and the size of the cutting region.
This invention relates to imaging devices, particularly those used for capturing and displaying images with a focus on a specific region of interest. The problem addressed is the need to provide a clear and intuitive way to visualize and adjust a cutting region within a captured image, ensuring users can easily identify and modify the area of interest. The imaging device includes an imaging unit for capturing images and a control unit for processing and displaying the captured data. The control unit is configured to display a partial image corresponding to a designated cutting region, which is a subset of the full captured image. To assist users in understanding the context of the cutting region within the entire image, the control unit overlays a reduced-size version of the full image at a predetermined position within the partial image. This overlay is dynamically synthesized as the user interacts with the device, providing real-time feedback. Additionally, the control unit displays a frame within the reduced-size full image, clearly indicating the position and size of the cutting region relative to the entire image. This frame helps users visualize how the cutting region is positioned and scaled within the broader context of the full image, facilitating precise adjustments. The system ensures that users can efficiently focus on the relevant portion of the image while maintaining awareness of its placement within the full capture.
6. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: display a frame indicating the cutting region in the entire image that is successively displayed on the display unit as the live-view image.
This invention relates to imaging devices, specifically those used for capturing and processing images with a focus on defining and displaying a cutting region within a live-view image. The problem addressed is the need for a clear and dynamic visual indication of a selected cutting region during live-view imaging, ensuring precise framing and composition before capturing the final image. The imaging device includes a control unit that processes image data and a display unit that shows the live-view image. The control unit is configured to display a frame that outlines the cutting region within the entire live-view image. This frame is dynamically updated as the live-view image changes, allowing the user to see in real-time how the cutting region interacts with the scene. The cutting region defines the portion of the image that will be extracted or processed further, such as for cropping, zooming, or other post-processing operations. The frame provides a visual guide to help users adjust the camera's position or settings to achieve the desired composition within the cutting region. This feature enhances usability by ensuring that the user can accurately preview the final output before capturing the image.
7. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: when the first operation is performed, display a frame indicating the cutting region having the fixed size and shape in the entire image, and cancel display of the image at the region other than the cutting region in the predetermined display mode.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to imaging devices, specifically those used for capturing and processing images. The problem addressed is the need for a user-friendly way to select and isolate a specific region of an image for further processing or display, particularly in applications where precise cropping or region selection is required. The imaging device includes a control unit that manages image display and processing. When a first operation is performed, the control unit displays a frame that outlines a cutting region within the entire image. This cutting region has a predefined fixed size and shape, ensuring consistency in the selected area. The control unit then cancels the display of the image outside this cutting region, effectively hiding or masking the non-selected portions. This allows the user to focus solely on the relevant part of the image, simplifying the selection process and improving workflow efficiency. The fixed size and shape of the cutting region ensure that the selected area meets specific requirements, which is particularly useful in applications such as medical imaging, quality control, or any scenario where standardized image regions are necessary. The cancellation of the display outside the cutting region provides a clear visual indication of the selected area, reducing errors and enhancing user experience. This feature is part of a broader imaging system that includes capturing, processing, and displaying images, with the cutting region selection being a key aspect of the user interface. The invention improves usability by providing a straightforward method for isolating and focusing on a specific part of an image.
8. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: detect movement of the specific subject in the cutting region relative to the imaging range of the imaging unit, and displace the position of the cutting region in the imaging range in accordance with the detected relative movement of the specific subject.
This invention relates to imaging devices designed to track and capture images of a specific subject within a defined cutting region of an imaging range. The primary challenge addressed is maintaining accurate imaging of a moving subject by dynamically adjusting the position of the cutting region to follow the subject's movement. The imaging device includes an imaging unit that captures images within a defined imaging range and a control unit that processes these images. The control unit identifies a specific subject within the imaging range and defines a cutting region around it. The cutting region is a subset of the imaging range where the subject is isolated for focused imaging or analysis. The control unit detects movement of the subject relative to the imaging range and adjusts the position of the cutting region accordingly. This ensures the subject remains within the cutting region as it moves, maintaining consistent imaging. The displacement of the cutting region is proportional to the detected movement, allowing precise tracking. This dynamic adjustment is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time monitoring of moving subjects, such as surveillance, medical imaging, or industrial inspection. The invention improves accuracy and reliability by minimizing the risk of the subject leaving the cutting region during movement.
9. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is further configured to: specify a plurality of combinations of size and shape of the cutting region so that at least one of the size and the shape is changed, and in response to a third operation performed before the first operation, select any one of the plurality of combinations specified and display the cutting region with a size and a shape corresponding to the selected combination recognizably in the entire image.
This invention relates to an imaging device with enhanced functionality for defining and adjusting a cutting region within a captured image. The device addresses the problem of manually selecting and modifying cutting regions, which can be time-consuming and imprecise, particularly when multiple adjustments are needed. The imaging device includes a control unit that allows a user to specify a plurality of combinations of size and shape for the cutting region, where at least one of these parameters is varied. Before the user initiates the cutting operation, the control unit enables the selection of any one of these predefined combinations through a third operation. The selected combination is then displayed in the entire image, allowing the user to visually confirm the size and shape of the cutting region before proceeding. This feature improves efficiency and accuracy in image processing by providing predefined options for quick adjustments, reducing the need for manual resizing or reshaping. The control unit ensures that the selected cutting region is clearly recognizable within the full image, enhancing user experience and workflow.
10. An imaging method by an imaging device comprising an imaging unit including an image sensor, and a display unit including a display panel, the method comprising: making the display unit successively display an entire image that is successively taken by the imaging unit as a live-view image; during display of the entire image as the live-view image, setting a cutting region at a predetermined position in an imaging range of the imaging unit; displacing a position of the cutting region in the imaging range so as to track movement of a specific subject in the imaging range; fixing the position of the cutting region in the imaging range before a first operation is performed, and when the first operation is performed, displacing the position of the cutting region so as to track movement of the specific subject in the imaging range; at least before the first operation is performed, displaying an image at a region other than the cutting region in the entire image that is successively displayed on the display unit as the live-view image so that the image at the region other than the cutting region is displayed in a predetermined display mode so as to be relatively less prominent than a partial image corresponding to the cutting region; before the first operation is performed, allowing at least one of a size and a shape of the cutting region to be changed while fixing the position of the cutting region relative to the imaging range; and when the first operation is performed, displacing the position of the cutting region while fixing the size and the shape of the cutting region.
This invention relates to an imaging method for a device with an image sensor and a display panel, addressing the challenge of tracking and focusing on a moving subject while maintaining situational awareness of the broader scene. The method involves displaying a live-view image of the entire captured scene on the display panel. During this display, a cutting region is set within the imaging range to isolate a specific subject. The cutting region can be dynamically repositioned to track the subject's movement, ensuring the subject remains centered or framed within the region. Before a user operation (e.g., a button press or gesture), the cutting region's position is fixed, but its size or shape can be adjusted. The surrounding image outside the cutting region is displayed in a less prominent mode (e.g., dimmed or blurred) to emphasize the subject. Upon the user operation, the cutting region's position is unlocked and automatically adjusted to continue tracking the subject, while its size and shape remain fixed. This approach balances manual control and automated tracking, improving subject isolation and usability in dynamic scenes.
11. A non-transitory recording medium including a program recorded therein for controlling a computer of an imaging device comprising an imaging unit including an image sensor and a display unit including a display panel, the program controlling the computer of the imaging device to perform operations including: making the display unit successively display an entire image that is successively taken by the imaging unit as a live-view image; during display of the entire image as the live-view image, setting a cutting region at a predetermined position in an imaging range of the imaging unit; displacing a position of the cutting region in the imaging range so as to track movement of a specific subject in the imaging range; fixing the position of the cutting region in the imaging range before a first operation is performed, and when the first operation is performed, displacing the position of the cutting region so as to track movement of the specific subject in the imaging range; at least before the first operation is performed, displaying an image at a region other than the cutting region in the entire image that is successively displayed on the display unit as the live-view image so that the image at the region other than the cutting region is displayed in a predetermined display mode so as to be relatively less prominent than a partial image corresponding to the cutting region; before the first operation is performed, allowing at least one of a size and a shape of the cutting region to be changed while fixing the position of the cutting region relative to the imaging range; and when the first operation is performed, displacing the position of the cutting region while fixing the size and the shape of the cutting region.
This invention relates to digital imaging devices, specifically to a method for enhancing live-view display and subject tracking. The problem addressed is the difficulty in focusing on a specific subject within a live-view image while maintaining awareness of the broader scene. The solution involves a program controlling an imaging device to display a live-view image while dynamically adjusting a cutting region that isolates a specific subject. The cutting region is initially fixed in position but can be resized or reshaped before a user operation is performed. Once the operation is triggered, the cutting region tracks the subject's movement while maintaining its size and shape. The surrounding image outside the cutting region is displayed in a less prominent mode, such as dimming or blurring, to emphasize the subject. This allows users to easily track and focus on a moving subject while still being aware of the broader scene. The system ensures smooth tracking by fixing the cutting region's position before the operation and then enabling dynamic displacement afterward, improving usability for capturing moving subjects in live-view mode.
Unknown
October 29, 2019
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.